Idyllic canyon region tries to keep tourism alive after deadly disaster

Just over a month ago, social media feeds and newscasts around the world showed shocking images of a tragedy in Minas Gerais, Brazil’s second-most populous state. Footage shot in the idyllic canyons of Capitólio showed a gigantic rock falling from a cliff face and landing on a pleasure boat in the Furnas lake below. Ten people lost their lives.

The causes of the disaster are still unknown, with investigations set to be concluded by the end of this month after interviewing more than 50 people. Meanwhile, a working group with representatives from the Minas Gerais state government and local city halls is discussing measures to avoid further tragedies and resume tourism as soon as possible.

With a perimeter of more than 3,500 kilometers, Furnas is one of Brazil’s biggest artificial lakes and spans 34 municipalities. Tourism in the region began roughly ten years ago, when local operators began organizing boat trips and 4×4 excursions to nearby waterfalls.

Until the tragedy at the start of January, the famous tourist town of Capitólio would welcome up...